The club had previously approached Javier Irureta, Man and Luis Aragons and had been turned down by all three. He didnt know I spent my whole childhood dreaming of playing for Liverpool, he didnt know I had all those memories and feelings. But then for the first game of the new season I wasn't in the team again. Liverpool won't get a penny. The no-nonsense former Liverpool boss might have been criticised by former players for not being the warmest of man-managers, but in the past he has tended to get results. [57] His first league win as manager came on 11 September 2010, a 21 win against Udinese at the San Siro. Making 52 appearances in 2006/07, that dropped to 25 in 2007/08 while he was frozen out in 2008/09 altogether, featuring just four times and making only two Premier League starts before being sent on loan to Portsmouth. I raised my voice. Rafa Benitez's Liverpool Machine - Holding Midfield Whether it was wrong or right to let him go or whether his time in charge of Liverpool could be considered a success or not . I was in touch with Meier regularly and he told me Benitez wouldnt speak to him, but was saying Klns offer was unacceptable. Liverpool paid 20m when signing Robbie Keane from Tottenham Hotspur in July 2009. In the next game, a 00 draw against Canada, he was injured in a hard tackle. Bentez still appeared to be at odds with Liverpool's owners, publicly turning down a contract extension and demanding more control over transfers. [131] In his 2013 autobiography, Ferguson said that "Benitez bought badly and made the feud personal". READ MORE: Naby Keita shows 'humbled' James Maddison how Liverpool situation has changed, READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp will already fear worst for crunch Chelsea clash as Liverpool myth exposed. Frank Lampard has done something Rafa Benitez was expected to do at Connect with Liverpool fans from around the world in our official supporters group. The thinking fan's Chelsea blog. Rafa Benitez is my favourite coach in world football. Liverpool fans will surely be fascinated to hear Rafa Benitez reminisce about his time in charge of the Reds on the club's official podcast. Liverpool finished third in the league, missing out on second place by one point. Only the two men would truly be able to answer whether their relationship changed after that trip to the San Siro. But I want Liverpool fans to know the truth and for them to know I made up my mind to leave a long time ago because of Benitez. When that starts happening, you have to assume it is something personal, rather than professional. [13] On his arrival he stated: "It is like a dream to be here. Key players missed much of the season through injury and Liverpool failed to challenge Chelsea and Arsenal for the league title, finishing fifth. Rafa Benitez News: Latest updates after Everton sacking - Mail Online Arrested after drunkenly refusing to leave a bar on the same training camp that saw Bellamy assault Riise, he admitted in his autobiography that he once came close to hitting Benitez after the Spaniard blocked him from leaving the club for Koln despite his game-time being limited. Given Benitezs reputation as one who cannot call upon humane man-management as one of his skills, it is understandable why it is believed their relationship broke down from that moment. Mr Benitez relinquishes his position as team manager after six years and the Board of Directors would. When Craig Dawson is the best defender - possibly player - over 45 minutes, it sums up our issues. It means that, suddenly, you mess up with a simple pass because your mind is all over the place. Ex Liverpool star suffers heart attack at age of just 36 [114], On 24 June 2019, Newcastle announced that Bentez would step down as Manager upon the expiration of his contract, and he departed the club on 30 June 2019. The next couple of days were a couple of the hardest days of my life. [18], In the Champions League, however, Liverpool fared differently. Rafael Bentez: 'When I see Ancelotti, we don't talk about Istanbul much' Benitez went to Real Madrid instead and Rodgers limped on until Klopp, who had long since been identified as the perfect successor, made it clear he was ready to cut short his sabbatical.. Poor, but better than them. I was frustrated when I was not included in the Spain squad for the World Cup in 2010 because I hadnt had a lot of playing time in the Premier League for like two months. . on July 16, 2010. "[122] Benitez is only the second person to manage both Liverpool and Everton, since William Edward Barclay in 1890s. I got more and more frustrated with him until transfer deadline day when I finally boiled over. ", 'Pubs need to adapt' if they are going to survive the times ahead, "Although we are living during a cost-of-living crisis people still do have money. Rafa just didnt understand. Arsecast Extra Episode 513 - 20.02.2023 Three days before the transfer window closed I went in to see him again Relax, Jerzy, theres still time, but we want a permanent deal, but Meier was telling me that Rafa was still refusing to take his calls! Rafael "Rafa" Bentez Maudes (born 16 April 1960) is a Spanish football manager who was the manager of Liverpool from 2004-2010. Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. There's some speculation about what might have been said at half-time to spark a much better second half - collectively, and from certain individuals. German clubs are financially savvy Kln knew they couldnt afford to buy me if they werent in the top division but Rafa refused to let me go on loan. The striker would join West Ham United in a 7.5m deal, as Benitez went on to replace him with Fernando Torres, before later returning to Liverpool in August 2011 and enjoying a more successful stint with his boyhood club under Kenny Dalglish. His mother is Rosario Maudes. This is the place to moan and discuss about every single thing that happened in games and with your team. I hadnt got on. "But I didn't argue with anybody. Claiming Liverpool were sinking ship under Benitez in March 2010, he said: "I've been here two years and I know how he (Benitez) is. [58], By December 2010, Inter had slumped to sixth in Serie A, 13 points adrift of the top (although Inter played two games less), having suffered consecutive defeats against arch rivals Milan (which ended a 46 match unbeaten home record),[59] Chievo and Lazio, as well as losing at Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, leading to speculation that Bentez's position was under threat. [9], Valencia fans also were soon won over by Bentez after he introduced a more attacking style of play than his predecessor, Cper. Liverpool actually failed to find a buyer for Riera before Benitez left the club in the summer of 2010, but he was sold by successor Roy Hodgson to Olympiacos that July in a 5m deal. Gary Neville vs Jamie Carragher is often the best part of Monday Night Football.. May is a special month for. Elliott unlocks new Liverpool tactic as Klopp supercharges Rafa Bentez Sean Dyche has eight blunt questions to answer as Everton pay the price [104] Meanwhile, Real topped their UEFA Champions League group with 16 points. Surely I couldnt stay if I gave him a smack? [10], However, the following 200203 season was a disappointing one; the club failed to follow up on their title success, finishing 18 points behind champions Real Madrid, and missed out on the top four by a single point. At half-time of the Champions League final, Benitez's Reds were 3-0 . [69][70][71] He appointed Boudewijn Zenden as his new assistant manager at Chelsea on the same day. I felt so unhappy but, out of respect to the club, I never spoke out. The injury saw him sidelined for a year and hampered his chances of becoming a major player. Benitez was in charge at Anfield from 2004 to 2010, winning. Maybe I will never swallow it. "As a player, you just want a bit of fun, to make training good and lively. Despite the lack of silverware, the main talking points were off the pitch, with Bentez in the middle of a power struggle with the Liverpool board. What are your plans for next season? he said. I just sat there, half in shock. What if Pepe gets injured next week? And after moving to Stamford Bridge, Benayoun would lay into his former Reds boss, insisting he was the only reason he had any interest in leaving Anfield. Joshua Askew -. [citation needed], Bentez was unable to win any trophies as Liverpool's domestic campaign falter in the winter months including a shock FA Cup exit at home to Barnsley, with his side losing to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals. [8], Bentez subsequently quit Extremadura and took a year off from football to study in England and Italy. A lot of people at Liverpool treated me well and asked me to stay, but I could not turn down such a massive club as Chelsea. At one point, rumours of Bentez quitting or being dismissed became so great that bookmakers had to suspend betting on the subject. [139] Bentez often plays key players in unorthodox positions to suit a formation notably converting both Steven Gerrard (in the 200506 season) and Dirk Kuyt into right-wingers. Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez linked with managerial return after Bentez also gave new life to existing Liverpool players, transforming Jamie Carragher from a utility player to one of Europe's top centre backs alongside Sami Hyypi. That is something I can never forget. I played all of last year, and sometimes if I did not play so well in one game, I would still play the next week. 'Rafa was a nightmare' - 13 players who left Liverpool after falling Real Madrid B were then playing in the Segunda Divisin and on 4 September 1993, he made his debut as a Segunda Divisin manager with a 31 over Hrcules. Ill have Scott and a kid from the Academy. I tried to plead with him a little bit, and he repeated the fact that my time was done, really, in his own way. [74][75] This was followed by a 00 draw at home to Fulham and a 31 loss to West Ham. Were going to buy another striker, he said. Rafa Benitez shares what could be key to deciding Liverpool v Real Madrid Benitez picked up 13 points from his nine Premier League matches in charge on Everton's own turf - the same amount of points as Lampard has picked up. The lads could see I was fuming so all hung around to see what would happen. It was as if the fans' reaction worked against me. I don't want to speak on behalf of other players at Liverpool, but people know what happened to Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso. The amount of time in training that wed do shape, tactics and nothing else! [24], Following Bentez's great early success, the English media were predicting Liverpool would challenge Chelsea for the 200607 Premier League title after Bentez addressed Liverpool's perceived weaknesses in the transfer window, a belief reaffirmed after his side won the Community Shield with a 21 victory over Chelsea. I knew he wasnt the man for me, but because it was Liverpool I just had to sign.. Bentez's tactics were credited as a key factor in Liverpool reaching, and winning, the final, despite a relatively unimpressive squad of players. He returned to Italy in 2013 to coach Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. Benitez did far more. Given Bellamys reputation, you can imagine these were not the only occasions when the duo failed to see eye to eye. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Rafa Benitez was sacked as "Everton fans think Liverpool are laughing Don't sign. [40], Prior to Bentez's final season at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso, one of the key members of Bentez's squad, was sold to Real Madrid following a lengthy pursuit in a deal reportedly worth 30million. You can't treat a player like this and expect him to be happy. A scorer of big goals, he produced countless important moments in his three seasons with the club as the Reds challenged for the Premier League title and progressed in the Champions League. The win secured a top-four Premiership finish and with it a place in the following season's Champions League. I knew I had to get away from Benitez. It says plenty about the dysfunction at the club that days later, Benitez has gone. "When I went there (Liverpool) I was told myself and Torres (would start) and Stevie would drop into the midfield but obviously as it went on I think Rafa liked Stevie playing that no.10. His final match was a 42 defeat to Lazio, who took the final place in the Champions League at Napoli's expense.[101]. Despite this success, Bentez fell out with Jess Garca Pitarch, the club's director of football, over control of new signings and the club's failure to reinforce the squad with the players he wanted. "He thinks he's in charge and everything else falls on deaf ears. "It is good for Liverpool that Benitez has gone, but it was too late for me. [92] Benitez didn't take part in the lap of honour after the match, but many fans showed their appreciation for his efforts during the season, a notable contrast to the hostile reception he received before. That's when Chelsea made an offer and the deal was done before Benitez left. I wasnt in the mood. ", "Why Liverpool's Rafa Benitez is a master tactician", "Jamie Carragher: What really happened at half-time in Istanbul", "Rafa Benitez is the man behind Steven Gerrard's 100", "The cult of permanent rotation blights Bentez's bid for title", "Liverpool's demise against Chelsea the fault of Rafael Benitez's zonal marking", "RT Sport: Benitez stands by zonal marking", "Atltico fans ensure home is where the hatred is for Bentez", "Benitez to stay with Liverpool despite loss of father", "Montserrat Seara: "En nuestra primera cita Rafa me explic el 4-4-2", "Juventus seeking to prise Rafael Bentez away from Liverpool", "Rafa Benitez learned English listening to The Beatles and reveals man who inspired him to be manager", "Rafael Benitez replaces Roberto Di Matteo as Chelsea manager", "AD Parla: el tesoro que esconde Los Prados, el estadio en el que Rafa Bentez deslumbr como futbolista", "Rafael Benitez named Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month", Complete management career stats at Liverpool-kop.com, Rafael Bentez management career statistics, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rafael_Bentez&oldid=1140350114, *Club domestic league appearances and goals, This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 18:18. Three months later he would do the exact same against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, gifting the Londoners what would prove to be a decisive 90th minute away goal. I should have stayed a bit longer and trusted myself, I should have. This is nonsense and it is a fabrication that I wanted to leave the stadium. Liverpool fans knew that 'Agent Rafa' would not be there more than a season, and so it has proven. I am delighted to play for Liverpool and if I was playing, I would love to stay, because it is a brilliant place to play football. The Spaniard is expected to sign his. The appointment is a controversial one, as Benitez spent six years at Anfield, winning the Champions League, FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his spell. After that I did another interview and said that I have to be my first critic. "Right now the only market open is the Russian one, I have offers from two teams and, looking at my situation, that has made me reflect a lot.". I didnt know what to do, I didnt want to leave! "And maybe, after 10 days training with him, well, that's when I started asking questions. I can do the 100 metres in less than 11 seconds. Steven Gerrard has lifted the lid on his "frosty" relationship with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. So I asked who he was going to sign. Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo scored the goals in the first half to hand Liverpool a much-needed victory. Benitez swapped Liverpool for Inter Milan in 2010 and last coached in the Premier League at Newcastle before joining Chinese side Dalian Professional in 2019, leaving that role in January. "I just thought, 'am I so bad that they want me to leave and they want him?'. Rafael Benitez's 08-09 Liverpool | FM Base Released at the end of his contract, he signed for Real Zaragoza in the summer of 2009 on a free transfer and has repeatedly slammed Benitez in the years that have followed. Craig Bellamy joined Liverpool from Blackburn Rovers in a 6m deal in June 2006. And thats prompted us to look back at Benitezs time across Stanley Park at Anfield, and recall some of the players Liverpool sold after disagreements with their manager. Thank you for your three years of service, now you can call your agent to do a deal with another club.' [47] It was suggested that this Liverpool team was missing Bentez's characteristic defensive rigidity[48] despite the fact that only Manchester United and Chelsea conceded fewer goals than Liverpool, and lacked the necessary depth to cope with injuries to key players such as Gerrard and Fernando Torres while Bentez's decision making was called into question.
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